Radl was shown into an office on the first floor at Prinze Albrechtstrasse. There he found Himmler seated behind a large desk. He was wearing a black uniform: a devil in black, his face cold and impersonal.Strangely, Radl felt less afraid now.
"Even a men sentenced to death is allowed a last cigarette, Herr Reichsfuhrer," he said.
Himmler actually smiled. "Why no?" As Radl lit a cigarrette, Himmler continued, "They told me you earned your knight's Cross for bravery during the Winter War?"
"That's right, Herr Reichsfuhrer."
"And have worked for Admiral Canaris ever since?"
Radl waited, smoking.
Himmler said, "Not much happens at the Abwehr these days that I don't know about. For example, I know that on the twenty-second of this month you were shown a report from an Abwehr agent in England, a Mrs Joanna Grey, in which the magic name of Winston Churchill appeared. Now, what have you got to tell me, Herr Colonel?"
Max Radl had no choice. Handing his briefcase over, he said, "In this the Reichsfuhrer will find all that there is to know."
Himmler opened the briefcase, took out the contents and began to read.
When he had finished, he looked up and said "Colonel Radl, I assume that is is your desire to do all in your power to aid the Fuhrer and your country?"
"Of course, Herr Reichsfuhrer," Radl said. "May I ask what you want of me?"
Himmler smiled, but even his smile was threatening. "Why, it's really very simple. This Churchill business. I want it carried out."
"But the Admiral, Herr Reichsfuhrer...." Radl paused. He liked Admiral Canaris and did not wish to say anything that might endanger him.
"Ah, the Admiral. He has, of course, said no to this plan of yours. It would not agree with his aim - and that aim is not the victory of Germany. I assure you."
Radl was speechless. His blood ran cold. Canaris, the head of the Abwehr, working against the State? Impossible. But then he remembered the Admiral's criticisms of high officials, of Himmler, even of the Fuhrer himself. And his words earlier that evening: "We have lost the war!"
The idea no longer seemed incredible.
Himmler interrupted his thoughts. "You have considerable independence in your work, do you not? Run your own office, travel a great deal? You can surely manage without the Admiral realising what's going on?"
"But theHerr Reichsfuhrer must see what an impossible position this puts me in," Radl said.
"What kind of authority would I have to carry such a project through?"
Himmler opened his desk drawer and, without a word, handed a letter to Radl. It was headed by the German Eagle with the Iron Cross.
FROM THE LEADER AND HEAD OF THE STATE -- MOST SECRET
"Colonel Radl is acting under my direct and personal orders in a matter of the greatest importance to the state. He is responsible only to me. All persons, military and civil, of whatever rank, will assist him in any way he sees fit."
Radl was astonished. With this letter a man could open any door in the land, be denied nothing. A strange thrill ran through him.
"So," Himmler said, "it is settled. You are prepared to accept this duty your Fuhrer places on you?"
"Of course, Herr Reichsfuhrer."
"Good. To business then. You are right to think of Steiner. The very man for the job. I suggest you go and see him immediately. Now, a few points in your plan. The question of clothing interests me. What exactly would Steiner and his men wear?"
"They would wear the uniforms of Polish parachutist attached to the British Special Air Service. This consists of jump jacket and trousers, and the English parachutists' red cap with the words, "Who dares - wins' sewn on."
"How dramatic," Himmler said drily. "However, wearing enemy uniform is a very delicate matter. It is forbidden under the Geneva Convention. There is only one punishment: death."
"True, Herr Reichsfuhrer."
"In this case there will be a compromise. The men will wear German uniform under their jump jackets. That way they will be fighting as German soldiers. Just before the attack they could remove the jump jackets. You agree?"
Radl thought it a hopeless idea, but realised that argument was useless. "As you say, Herr Reichsfuhrer."
"Good. Is there anything else you wish to ask?"
"Churchill himself," Radl said. "Is he to be taken alive?"
"If possible. Dead if there is no other way. That understood, I leave the matter in your hands. I wish to be kept in daily touch with your progress."
Radl took the precious letter, picked up his briefcase and moved to the door.
"Colonel Radl," Himmler said as Radl went out. "Remember one thing. Failure is a sign of weakness. And there is no pardon for weakness."
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น